FAQ's
Poncho Barefoot Shoes: FAQ and Everything You Need to Know
At Poncho Barefoot Shoes, we believe that footwear should promote natural movement, comfort, and health, and we are committed to crafting handmade shoes that allow your feet to breathe, feel, and perform at their best. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about our shoes, production, shipping, returns, and how to care for your shoes.
Production and Craftsmanship
Where are Poncho Barefoot Shoes made?
All of our shoes are handcrafted in Gaziantep, Turkey, by a team of around 30 skilled artisans. Each pair is meticulously made to order, and the production process generally takes 4-5 days. Our team, which has been growing steadily, produces about 100 pairs of shoes per day.
How are Poncho Barefoot Shoes made?
Our shoes are predominantly handmade. While we use a press machine to cut leather, every other process, including stitching and molding, is done by hand. This ensures that each pair is unique and crafted with care. After placing your order, production starts within 2 hours, which is why cancellations are not possible once production begins.
Materials and Features
Are the toe boxes of your shoes wide enough?
Yes, our shoes are designed to offer plenty of room for your toes to spread naturally. The wide toe box helps your toes return to their natural shape and promotes better foot health by avoiding the pressure that traditional shoes often exert from the top or sides.
What kind of leather is used in Poncho Barefoot Shoes?
We use high-quality buffalo leather for the soles, and cowhide for the inner and upper parts of the shoes. Buffalo leather is known for its durability and breathability. Its micro-porous structure keeps feet dry, reducing the chance of sweat-related issues like odor, fungus, or eczema. Since the entire shoe is made of natural leather, it differs significantly from synthetic or rubber shoes.
Does the buffalo leather sole provide any grounding effect?
Absolutely. The buffalo leather used in the soles allows for a more grounded walking experience, similar to walking barefoot on natural surfaces. This connection to the earth helps your body reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and even boost emotional well-being.
Why do you use copper rivets in your soles?
We have added copper rivets to specific points in the soles to enhance the grounding effect. Copper, being a conductive material, helps discharge the body’s electricity and amplifies sensory feedback from the ground to your body. According to Chinese medicine, the copper rivets are placed at the K1 point on your feet, believed to assist in grounding energy and emotional balance.
Why are Poncho Barefoot Shoes zero-drop?
Our zero-drop shoes have no difference in height between the heel and the toe. This helps maintain a natural posture, keeping your body aligned, reducing strain on your joints, and preventing common issues like shortened calf muscles or Achilles tendon pain. This minimalist design encourages a more natural gait, reducing the risk of long-term discomfort.
Aren’t the soles of your shoes too thin?
While the buffalo leather sole may seem thinner than conventional shoes, it is between 5 to 8 millimeters thick, just enough to provide protection without sacrificing ground feel. A thin sole stimulates the nerves in your feet, promoting better balance and proprioception. Over time, your feet will grow stronger, and issues like poor balance or injuries may decrease.
Are the shoes lightweight?
Yes, the weight of the shoes ranges from 250 to 400 grams, depending on the size, making them incredibly lightweight and easy to wear. Their minimalistic design contributes to an airy, free experience, which is one reason they are so popular.
Are the soles slippery?
Initially, the buffalo leather soles are smooth, but they naturally gain traction after a few days of wear. Despite their flat appearance at first, we have received very few complaints about slipping. These shoes are part of a tradition that has lasted for hundreds of years in Anatolia and are trusted by millions.
Usage
Can these shoes be used for both indoor and outdoor activities?
Yes! Our barefoot shoes are versatile and perfect for outdoor activities like hiking or camping in the summer. In winter, they are great for indoor wear, whether at home or in the office. Just keep in mind that because they are made from natural leather, they are not waterproof and should not be worn in the rain.
Can I wear Poncho Barefoot Shoes for sports?
Many of our customers prefer to wear them for light outdoor activities and sports due to their comfort and natural flexibility. The shoes are great for activities where natural foot movement is essential.
Do these shoes ground on every surface?
Our tests show that grounding occurs on natural surfaces like grass, stone, sand, and concrete. However, the grounding effect is not present on synthetic or asphalt surfaces.
Shipping and Customs
How does shipping work for Poncho Barefoot Shoes?
Once your shoes are produced, we typically ship them via DHL Express or UPS Courier. A tracking number will be provided shortly after your order, though the tracking activity may not update for a few days while the shoes are still in production.
Where do you ship from?
All shipments originate from our workshop in Gaziantep, Turkey. We offer free shipping to Europe and the US, with additional fees for other countries, including Australia, Canada, Japan, Brazil, and India.
Will I have to pay customs fees?
Customs fees are determined by the destination country, and the buyer is responsible for any such charges. Unfortunately, these rules vary greatly, but generally, the US does not impose customs duties on our shoes.
What if I’m not at home when the package arrives?
The courier will make several attempts to deliver your shoes and may leave a notification or try to contact you. After three failed attempts, the package will be held at the nearest branch for a week before it is destroyed. Make sure to pick up your package within that time to avoid issues.
Returns and Exchanges
What happens if I receive the wrong size or color?
If the size or color you receive doesn’t match your order, contact our customer service at nefesshoes@gmail.com. We will ask you to return the incorrect shoes to a US address, and we’ll send you the correct pair as quickly as possible, free of charge.
What if I made a mistake in taking measurements?
If the size you ordered doesn’t fit due to incorrect measurements, reach out to our customer service for assistance.
Do I need to pay for return shipping?
Yes, any shipping costs associated with returns or exchanges are the responsibility of the buyer. However, we cover the cost of shipping the replacement shoes to you from Turkey.
Care Instructions
How should I care for my Poncho Barefoot Shoes?
To maintain your shoes in excellent condition, avoid painting or machine washing them. Clean with a damp cloth and, if necessary, apply almond oil to keep the leather soft. In the event that your shoes get wet, it’s a good idea to wear them while they dry to minimize shrinkage.
Final Thoughts
At Poncho Barefoot Shoes, we are dedicated to providing shoes that respect the natural structure and health of your feet while offering unmatched comfort and grounding effects. With our focus on using natural materials and maintaining centuries-old craftsmanship traditions, we bring you a shoe experience that is unlike any other. Whether you’re wearing them for daily activities, sports, or just relaxing indoors, Poncho Barefoot Shoes will keep you grounded and comfortable every step of the way.
If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to contact our customer service team at Pochobarefootshoes@gmail.com, and we’ll be happy to help!